Col. Wood's Museum facts for kids

Col. Wood's Museum was a popular museum and theater in Chicago, Illinois. It was like a giant cabinet of curiosities, filled with amazing and sometimes strange items for people to see. The museum first opened its doors in 1864. It also had a theater where visitors could watch plays.

At one time, the museum even displayed two ancient mummies and some old scrolls, which were once owned by Joseph Smith, a famous historical figure.

Col. Wood's Museum: A Chicago Wonder

Col. Wood's Museum was a very special place in Chicago. It was known for its unique collections and lively theater shows. Imagine a place where you could see everything from ancient artifacts to strange animals, all under one roof!

What Was Col. Wood's Museum?

This museum was a bit like a modern-day science museum mixed with a fun fair. It aimed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages. People could explore many different exhibits. The museum also had a stage for plays and performances. It was a major attraction in Chicago for many years.

The Museum's Exciting History

The story of Col. Wood's Museum is full of ups and downs. It faced many challenges, including devastating fires. But its founder, Col. John H. Wood, was determined to keep the wonder alive for Chicagoans.

First Museum: 1864-1871

The very first version of the museum opened on March 22, 1864. It was located at the busy corner of Clark and Randolph Streets. Col. John H. Wood created it to be Chicago's answer to other famous museums of the time. For just a quarter, visitors could see incredible things.

The museum had about sixty cases filled with birds, insects, and reptiles. There was a huge painting of London and many detailed model ships. You could also see paintings of Native Americans. A rifle that once belonged to the famous explorer Daniel Boone was on display. There was even a tiny model of the ancient Parthenon building. One of the biggest attractions was the "Great Zeuglodon." This was a massive 96-foot-long skeleton of an ancient whale-like creature. The museum also housed two mummies and some ancient papyri, which are old sheets of writing. These items had once belonged to Joseph Smith.

Rebuilding After the Great Fire

Sadly, the first Col. Wood's Museum was completely destroyed. It burned down during the terrible Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Everything inside was lost in the flames. But Col. Wood did not give up. Just one week after the fire, he leased a new building. This was the Globe Theatre, located just outside the main city center.

Col. Wood spent several years collecting new and exciting items. He worked hard to prepare the museum for reopening. Finally, in 1875, the museum was ready for visitors again. This new version was also packed with amazing finds. Visitors still paid a quarter to enter. The museum took up three floors of the theater building.

The Final Chapter

Unfortunately, this second museum also met a fiery end. In 1877, another fire destroyed it. But Col. Wood was incredibly persistent. He reopened the museum one last time in 1884. This final version was located in the Olympia Theatre building. Col. Wood leased this building and kept a restaurant on the main floor. He used the other four floors to display his incredible collection.

The museum eventually grew even larger. Its theater could hold up to 1,000 people! Col. Wood's Museum continued to be a beloved spot in Chicago. It offered a mix of education and entertainment. It was a place where people could explore the wonders of the world.

Images for kids

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  Col. Wood's Museum before the fire

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  Col. Wood's Museum after the fire